By MILDRED KATONGO –

TRADERS at Chisokone market in Kitwe have called on relevant authorities to ban the National Traders and Marketeers Association of Zambia (NATMAZ) from operating in the market because it is illegal.
Chisokone market branch chairperson Mulunda Mwanza said NATMAZ was operating in the market and collecting electricity and toilet fees contrary to the bus and market Act of 2007.
Mr Mwanza said in a statement that the Kitwe City Council (KCC) was directed by the ministry of Local Government not to allow any association to establish offices within markets because the trend interfered with their operations.
He wondered why the local authority had allowed NATMAZ to establish offices within the markets and collect electricity and toilet fees on their behalf when it was illegal.
“Marketeers do not want to see any association operating in the market because of the oppression they went through when Zambia National Maketeers Association (ZANAMA) was operating there,” he said.
He said there was need to ensure that illegalities were brought to an end at Chisokone market and other trading places in Kitwe.
Kitwe District Commissioner Chanda Kabwe said he was aware of NATMAZ an association registered to support the welfare of marketeers but did not know any association operating illegally at Chisokone market.
Mr Kabwe said Government was doing everything in ensuring that marketeers were working in a conduncive environment without any interference from illegal associations.
He warned the opposition political party members working with the de-registered ZANAMA members to desist from inciting the marketeers to rise against Government.
“As Government we are here to work for the people, we understand the needs of marketeers and we are doing everything to empower them.
I am warning opposition political members to stop inciting our marketeers to rise against Government,” he said.
Mr Kabwe said Government would not allow insanity in markets.